The Ministry of Social Affairs Offers Basic Needs Assistance to Flood-affected Citizens

JAKARTA (January 1, 2020) - The Ministry of Social Affairs is sending basic needs assistance to flood-affected residents in DKI Jakarta and West Bandung Regency, as well as flood-prone areas in Banten Province.

"We are gradually delivering basic necessities to the affected areas, while also activating public kitchens and preparing Tagana personnel to assist in the evacuation process," said Social Minister Juliari P. Batubara in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The Minister said that in the event of a disaster, it was the task of the Ministry of Social Affairs to activate the already prepared system for an integrated disaster response. The system mentioned earlier is a National Cluster organized by the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) in which the Ministry of Social Affairs is in charge of the Protection and Refugee Cluster and the Logistics Cluster.

“The focus of the disaster management is evacuating refugees as well as vulnerable groups of elderly, children, disabled persons, and other special needs groups into safety,” he said.

In time of disaster and local government establishing emergency response status, the Ministry of Social Affairs mobilizes every potential for disaster relief by deploying TAGANA personnel (Disaster Preparedness Cadets) and the TAGANA Companions, Village Disaster Alert, Disaster Preparedness Vehicles, supplies, evacuation tools, communication system and devices, and cooperation between government and NGOs.

Minister Ari explained that disaster relief for Special Capital Region of Jakarta had been sent from Social Ministry Central Warehouse in Bekasi to Jakarta Social Services Agency. A total aid of IDR 750 million consists of 2,000 packages of convenience food, 1,800 packages of children’s food, 30 thousand packs of instant noodles, 500 tents, 8,000 packages of family utensils, 200 sheets and 100 packages of clothing.

"Public kitchens for DKI Jakarta are already organized by the DKI Jakarta Social Service Agency. The public kitchens for flood-affected residents in West Bandung Regency and Bekasi Regency have been operating this morning with the support of TAGANA and local Social Service Agency," he said.

The public kitchen in West Bandung Regency is centered in Cipeudeuy Padalarang District for 3 evacuation points. The public kitchen meets the needs of 300 refugees and 200 volunteers.

"Further logistical support to suffice the needs of the refugees in the next 3 days will be given in the form of rice and side dishes," the Minister explained.

Natural disaster assistance to West Java is worth IDR 1 billion. Assistance includes 1,800 packs of food, 30 thousand packs of instant noodles, 3 multipurpose tents, 460 rolled tents, 230 portable beds, 1 public kitchen, 920 packages of family utensils, 40 clothing packs and 50 packages of TAGANA equipments.

"Next time we will add cleaning tools aid to help residents and Tagana clean the house and the surrounding area," Social Minister said.

Meanwhile, disaster relief for flood-prone areas of Banten Province is IDR 680 million. The aid includes 1,800 packs of children’s food, 30,000 packs of instant noodles, 400 rolled tents, 200 sheets of mattress, 800 packs of family utensils and 25 packages of TAGANA equipment.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs